Aloeides nubilus (Cloud Copper) was previously listed on the IUCN Red Data List as Vulnerable (D2). However, the most recent South African Red Data Book lists the species as Endangered [EN A3ce; B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)] and that assessment is supported here. The current extent of occurrence (EOO) is approximately 400 km2 and the area of occupancy (AOO) is smaller than 50 km2 as the species only inhabits rocky areas in montane grasslands and forests (Henning et al. 2009). The distribution is severely fragmented and there is an ongoing decline in EOO, AOO, the area of habitat, the number of locations and the number of mature individuals (Henning et al. 2009). Both the extent of occurrence (EOO) and the area of occupancy (AOO) are less than the respective thresholds for Endangered (EN) species under criterion B. The species is found in just four locations and there is an ongoing decline in EOO, AOO, and habitat area. The population is also projected to decline as a result of the declining distribution and threat from an invasive tree species.

This species is narrowly restricted to Mpumulanga Province in South Africa where it is known from only a few small colonies. These are located in Klipbankspruit near Sabie, Mount Sheba Nature Reserve, and in the Morgenzon Forestry area at the top of Robber’s Pass near Pilgrim’s Rest. It was also recorded from Sterkspruit Nature Reserve (Pringle et al. 1994, Woodhall 2005, Henning et al. 2009). The extent of occurrence (EOO) of this species is estimated as no more than 400 km2 and its area of occupancy is considerably smaller (estimated as less than 50 km2) since the species only inhabits rocky areas in montane grasslands and forests within the EOO.

The Cloud Copper is rare and extremely localized within its restricted distribution. Henning et al. (2009) state that you cannot expect to encounter more than 20 specimens flying on any one day and that the colony at Robber's Pass consists of about 200 specimens emerging annually. The population is suspected to be reduced by more than 50% in the future as a result of the decline in area of occupancy (AOO), extent of occurrence (EOO), habitat quality, and the introduction of an invasive tree species which is further reducing the extent of the species' habitat (Henning et al. 2009).

The tiny, several hundred metre long Robbers Pass colony is limited to a ridge with an infestation of the invasive tree species Acacia mearnsii (Fabaceae). This is also not far from the Trout Hideaway colony. The vegetation in the habitat of this species is classed as Endangered (Henning et al. 2009).

This butterfly is found in the Sterkspruit Nature Reserve and near the Mount Sheba Nature Reserve, but no species-specific conservation measures are currently in place for this species. Henning et al. (2009) suggest the following conservation measures: "Population levels and habitat quality should be monitored regularly. There should be no further habitat encroachment due to either plantation forestry or infestation of alien trees. The latter should be removed. Plantation forestry should be subject to environmental impact assessments. Autecological studies are needed."